Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options that stand out are the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Caramel Latte, with its 50g bottom-out weight, offers a delightful combination of a bright, clacky sound profile and a super smooth typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate both tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) takes a different approach with a heavier actuation force. Its unique PA12 top housing contributes to a softer acoustics profile, while the POM stem delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, catering to users who prefer a more subdued sound yet still desire precise performance. Both switches provide unique advantages, making them appealing for different preferences in usage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a noticeable distinction lies in the choice of materials for the top housings. The Huano Caramel Latte employs POK material, renowned for its exceptional durability, with a wear resistance that is significantly superior to typical materials like POM and Nylon. The POK's coefficients of friction contribute to a smooth, clacky experience, creating a tactile feel during key presses that many enthusiasts seek. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a conventional nylon top housing. Although nylon is sturdy and resilient, it lacks the same level of wear resistance and smoothness provided by POK, resulting in a slightly different tactile experience.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their choice of material for the bottom housing, utilizing nylon. This consistency leads to an identical acoustic profile, where the soft nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, producing a deeper, fuller sound during typing. Both switches will exhibit a similar auditory signature due to this shared characteristic, creating a round, dampened sound that feels satisfying under the fingers. Therefore, while the tactile and acoustic qualities of the switches differ due to the top housing discrepancy, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that there's a consistent element to the typist's experience.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the top housings create different tactile and aural characteristics in the two switches. The POK material of the Caramel Latte offers a unique, smooth, and durable experience, enhancing its clackiness during use. In contrast, the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) leans towards a softer touch and a more muted sound. However, both switches share the benefit of enhanced sound absorption from their nylon bottom housings, which softens the overall typing experience and creates a harmonious auditory profile. When using these switches, typists can expect different tactile sensations and sound profiles based on the top housing material, but a comforting familiarity rooted in the nylon bottoms remains constant in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a smooth, less taxing typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback with each keystroke. This indicates that users seeking a heavier feel would be better served by the Xinhai, whereas those favoring a lighter touch might gravitate toward the Caramel Latte. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more relaxed typing session, the Caramel Latte would be the preferable choice, while the Xinhai emphasizes a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a bit more depth in its keypress, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) could be more suitable for users looking for quicker response times due to its shorter travel distance. In terms of preference, those who enjoy a hearty depth might gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while gamers or those seeking faster actuation may lean towards the Xinhai (Heavy) for its snappier feel. Overall, the Caramel Latte’s 3.6 mm distance provides a more pronounced experience compared to the 3.4 mm of the Xinhai.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When considering the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, it delivers a bright, clacky tone that is highly characteristic and offers a lively acoustic experience during typing. This sound makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a softer acoustic profile attributed to its unique PA12 top housing. This switch produces a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance due to the POM stem, lending a level of subtle sophistication to its sound that may be more subdued than the Caramel Latte’s lively clackiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether one prefers an engaging and prominent auditory feedback or a more refined and delicate soundscape.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte provides a super smooth typing experience with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, allowing for effortless keystrokes that many typists find pleasurable. The smoothness contributes to an enjoyable tactile experience, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its heavier actuation, likely offers a more pronounced feedback that enthusiasts might appreciate for its precision and control. Heavier switches can enhance the confidence in each key press, catering to users who prefer a firmer touch. The contrast in weight and feedback style between these switches means that users will prefer one over the other depending on their typing preferences and tactile needs.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches present unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte is vibrant and smooth, making it excellent for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a delicate and crisp auditory quality combined with a precise, heavier feel. Depending on your typing style and sound preference, both switches can provide satisfying results, ensuring you won't go wrong with either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a more enjoyable and lightweight typing experience, the Caramel Latte may be the ideal option for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, it provides a super smooth feel that enhances every keystroke, making it great for those lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a firmer feel and a more sophisticated acoustic profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is a solid choice. With a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, this switch delivers a medium resistance, catering to users who appreciate a bit more feedback while typing. Its unique PA12 top housing contributes to softer acoustics, paired with a POM stem that offers a crisp and distinct sound, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of elegance and precise performance in their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits.
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